In a huge honor for Indian cricket, Harmanpreet Kaur has made it into the 50-player shortlist for the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) Team of the Decade, marking her as the sole Indian player considered for this prestigious recognition.
The WBBL, celebrating its tenth season, announced this shortlist on Thursday to honor the players who have defined a decade of women's cricket excellence in Australia.
Harmanpreet Kaur's WBBL Legacy
Since her WBBL debut, Harmanpreet has played for Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades, amassing impressive stats over her 62-match career. With 1,440 runs scored at an average of 37.89 and seven half-centuries, her right-handed powerhouse batting has consistently kept her among the most effective overseas players. Her nomination is not just a testament to her skill but also represents the rising stature of Indian women in international cricket leagues.
The WBBL Team of the Decade will ultimately feature 12 players, with each team only allowed three overseas players per the league's rule. The final selection will be a collaborative effort between public votes and a panel of cricket experts. Fans can cast their votes on the Big Bash app between November 11 and 24, making this one of the rare times public opinion holds equal weight in a sports selection.
Panel of Experts
The selection panel, led by Cricket Australia Director Clea Smith, includes cricket luminaries like Mel Jones, Lisa Sthalekar, Matthew Mott, Quentin Hull, Laura Jolly, and Alistair Dobson. These experts will review public votes and combine them with their own decisions to finalize the WBBL Team of the Decade, to be announced at the WBBL 10 Final on December 1.
A Chance to Celebrate WBBL's Greatest
With a pool of elite talent, the WBBL Team of the Decade shortlist includes only those who have played over 60 matches, a testament to their dedication and impact on the game. Harmanpreet's inclusion highlights her enduring success and the respect she has garnered as an Indian representative in one of the world's top T20 leagues.
As voting opens, fans around the world, especially in India, eagerly anticipate whether Harmanpreet will become part of the official WBBL Team of the Decade, adding yet another feather to her decorated cap! So let's start voting for one of India's biggest and most talented woman cricket stars. All the best, superstar!